Club Policies

 

Club Policies

 

West Chester Chess Club Participation Policy

West Chester Chess Club was founded in 1974 to foster an adult-focused chess playing environment. Many of our adult members are not comfortable competing or socializing with minors under the age of 16. Therefore, we have instituted an age-related participation policy effective June 25, 2025

To maintain a safe, focused and appropriate environment for our members, participation in the West Chester Chess Club is now limited to individuals 16 years of age, or older.  We recommend and encourage younger players to explore the excellent scholastic chess programs in the region, which are specifically designed for their age group and development needs.

Grandfather Clause

We recognize and value the contributions of our existing scholastic players. Therefore, youth members who have regularly participated in the club prior to June 25, 2025 are grandfathered in and may continue to attend.  However, the Club reserves the right to reassess and withdraw this privilege, on an individual basis, for any inappropriate or unruly behavior as determined by any complaints received from an adult member.

 

Check-in Policy

The WEST CHESTER CHESS CLUB is our club and should not be looked at merely as a place to play chess. This means that everyone who comes here to play is an integral part of it and should accept some responsibility for its continuance and purpose.

One of the most important things that members can do is help us get the games started on time, at or around 7:40pm so that we can all leave at a reasonable time. Many of our members work or are students and need to get some sleep. With an influx of new members it seems that a reiteration of our requirements is in order.

  1. Everyone is required and expected to check in with the Tournament Director (TD) upon arrival and make sure you are acknowledged. With approximately forty players every week this is a necessity.
  2. Everyone should be checked in by 7:30 and, if not, they stand a good chance of not playing.
  3. If you are on your way or looking for parking a text should be sent to the TD. Everyone should have each TD’s cell phone number and should text all to ensure they get the correct one.
  4. At 7:30 the TD will pair the number they have which takes about one minute using the computer. All games should start easily by 7:40.
  5. If someone is late and there is an odd number only the first late player will be paired to make an even number or the lowest rated player gets a bye.

It takes everyone to make this work.

 

Upper and Lower Section Considerations

UPPER SECTION (1600 OR ABOVE) - Players will be assigned according to their current rating

LOWER SECTION (UNDER 1600) - Players will be assigned according to their current rating.

1. Only players in the 1500 to 1599 rating range can choose to be in the Upper or Lower Section.

2. At the discretion of the Tournament Director, any player in the 1500 to 1599 rating range will be subject to being moved up or down should there be an uneven number of players in both sections.

* The strict 7:30 rule will be effective with the next Quad (July 3rd). The new two section policy will be effective with the next Swiss (July 10th).